Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A detailed imaginary world, especially one created by a child.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a prolonged fantasy world invented by children; can have a definite geography and language and history

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Ancient Greek παρά (para, "beside, alongside") + κόσμος (kosmos, "world, universe").

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word paracosm.

Examples

  • A Michigan State University study of MacArthur "genius award" winners found a remarkably high rate of paracosm creation in their childhoods.

    The Creativity Crisis 2010

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.

  • "A paracosm is a society thought up by a child--an invented universe with a distinctive language, geography, and history. (The Brontës invented a couple of paracosms when they were children.)"

    "Bumping into Mr. Ravioli", from Through the Children's Gate by Adam Gopnik, page 158.

    July 30, 2008

  • There’s a secret world where you try and hide,

    You want to live but you’re dead inside,

    Now you’re trying to make your paracosms true.

    - Puressence, She's Gotten Over You

    July 30, 2008

  • Here's a link to an article about the imaginary worlds (paracosms) created by highly gifted children, e.g., the Bronte sisters: http://www.psychologytoday.com/files/attachments/1035/imaginary-worldplay-indicator-creative-giftedness.pdf

    May 9, 2013